True Crime Garage - Episode: Robert Wone /// Part 4 of 4

Release Date: December 4, 2024
Hosts: Nic and the Captain
Guest: [Guest Name Not Provided]

Introduction

In the gripping finale of their four-part series on the mysterious case of Robert Wone, the hosts of True Crime Garage, Nic and the Captain, delve deep into the unresolved aspects of the case, analyzing the complexities that have left both the public and the legal system baffled. Joined by a knowledgeable guest, they dissect the intricacies of the trial, the evidence presented, and the lingering questions that continue to shroud this true crime story.

Background of the Case

On August 2, 2003, in Washington, D.C., tragedy struck at a residence on Swan Street. Four men were present in the home that night: three residents and one visitor, Robert Wone, who was found dead under suspicious circumstances. The subsequent investigation led to allegations against the three roommates—Victor, Dylan, and Joseph—who were accused not directly of murder but of conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the events of that night.

Nic sets the scene:

"At the home on Swan Street in Washington, D.C., that night before midnight, we have four men in one home... The visitor ends up dead."

The Trial: Conspiracy and Obstruction of Justice

The trial that ensued did not focus on murder charges but rather on the alleged cover-up orchestrated by the three roommates. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that the trio concealed critical information, altered the crime scene, delayed calling paramedics, and misled law enforcement agencies.

The Captain reflects on the difficulties of prosecuting multiple defendants:

"Are all three people involved? Are all three people responsible, or is it just two people, or is it just one person?"

Despite the extensive efforts by the prosecution, including employing renowned forensic expert Henry Lee, the trial concluded with a not guilty verdict. The judge, acknowledging the conspiracy and obstruction charges, ultimately found insufficient evidence to convict on murder, leaving many questions unanswered.

Guest comments on the trial's thoroughness and the judge's ruling:

"The trial was very thorough... I find her ruling a little strange to me."

Analysis of Evidence and Key Questions

Throughout the discussion, Nic and the Captain, along with their guest, explore the fragmented puzzle pieces that make the case so perplexing:

1. Missing Evidence:

   • The lack of a clear murder weapon and the discrepancy in blood evidence raised significant doubts.
   • Nic points out:

     "There’s a lack of evidence on the murder weapon. The stories are changing."

2. Behavior of the Accused:

   • The three roommates appeared unusually calm during interviews and interrogations.
   • Two of the accused changed their names and relocated out of state, while Victor maintained his identity and continued his professional career.

3. Role of Henry Lee:

   • The involvement of Henry Lee, known for high-profile cases, raised concerns about potential biases.
   • The Captain expresses skepticism:

     "I don't like seeing that guy show up to a trial because I know who he's there for."

4. Alleged Sleeping Pill:

   • Dylan Ward claimed to have taken a sleeping pill that night, a claim that was scrutinized due to the absence of evidence in his system.
   • Guest emphasizes the importance of verifying this claim:

     "If I were a detective, I would have tried to get him to pee in a cup for urinalysis..."

5. Scream Heard by Neighbor:

   • A neighbor heard a scream during the incident, but its origin remains unclear.
   • The Captain questions:

     "Did the scream come from Robert? Did it come from Victor?"

6. Involvement of Roommate Sarah Morgan:

   • Questions arose about whether Sarah Morgan was ever notified or involved in the events following the crime.
   • Nic highlights:

     "I want to know who made that scream. I want to know if the sleeping pill was a real thing."

The Civil Suit: Seeking Justice

In the wake of the criminal trial's inconclusive verdict, Robert Wone's wife, Kathy Wan, pursued a wrongful death lawsuit against the three accused individuals. This civil case aimed to hold them accountable despite the lack of a murder conviction.

Guest explains the rationale behind the civil suit:

"These individuals chose to settle outside of court for an undisclosed amount of money."

The settlement, although not revealing the exact figures, was directed towards charity, aligning with Robert Wone's wishes and deflecting accusations of profiting from the litigation.

The Captain adds:

"People can't make the argument that she's just trying to sue them to get rich off of her dead husband."

Post-Trial Developments and Behavior of the Accused

Following the trial and civil suit, the life trajectories of the accused men became a focal point for analysis:

• Name Changes and Relocations:
  • Joseph Price reportedly changed his name to Joseph Anderson.
  • Dylan Ward adopted the name Dylan Thomas.
  • Victor maintained his name and continued his employment with the Milk Processor Education Program.

Guest speculates on their motivations:

"If you want to keep this thing out of court... How much do we have to pay this person to go away?"

Despite the legal processes, the hosts express skepticism about the true accountability of the roommates, especially given their continued lifestyle and lack of transparency regarding the settlement.

Host and Guest Opinions: Skepticism and Unanswered Questions

Throughout the episode, Nic and the Captain, alongside their guest, voice their frustrations and skepticism regarding the case's unresolved nature:

• Judicial Ruling:
  Both agree that the judge's decision was perplexing and left many feeling that justice was not fully served.

• Behavioral Red Flags:
  The calm demeanor of the accused, their appearance in bathrobes post-incident, and the inconsistent stories they provided raise suspicions.

• Unanswered Questions:

  • The legitimacy of Dylan Ward's sleeping pill claim.
  • The origin of the scream heard by the neighbor.
  • The timeline and necessity of involving roommate Sarah Morgan.

The Captain passionately asserts:

"This case is so complex, it's hard to put the pieces together... Robert didn't deserve this."

Conclusion: A Call for Further Investigation

As the episode wraps up, Nic and the Captain reflect on the enduring mysteries of Robert Wone's case. They emphasize the importance of continuing to seek answers and encourage listeners to remain vigilant and informed.

Nick advises listeners:

"If you're really into this case, I would suggest... to read the verdict from the judge because I think that lays out a lot of the pieces of the case."

The hosts also recommend additional resources for those eager to delve deeper, including documentaries and related podcasts that explore the nuances of the case.

Notable Quotes

• Nic [03:19]:
  "Grab a chair, grab a beer. Let's talk some true crime."

• The Captain [08:27]:
  "If you have evidence that's making you fundamentally think that these guys are guilty of a crime and guilty of covering it up, doesn't that evidence... isn't that enough evidence to then convict them?"

• Guest [16:10]:
  "We know who did this. We know who's responsible for this unsolved murder. We know how they did it. But knowing who and proving who and how are two very different things."

• The Captain [22:52]:
  "Makes him a bag of shit because Robert didn't deserve this."

Recommendations for True Crime Enthusiasts

Before concluding, Nic and the Captain share their recommended resources for listeners eager to explore more about the Robert Wone case and other true crime stories:

• Documentaries and Podcasts:

  • Missing Pieces Podcast: A deeper dive into the case with insights from law enforcement.
  • Who Killed Robert Wone: A two-part docu-series available on Peacock.

• Subscription Show:

  • Off the Record: An exclusive show for die-hard fans, available on Apple Subscription and Patreon.

Final Thoughts

In this final installment of the Robert Wone series, True Crime Garage leaves listeners with a blend of frustration and hope. While the legal avenues may have reached their temporary conclusions, the quest for truth and closure remains ongoing. The hosts urge anyone with additional information to come forward, emphasizing the crucial role of collective effort in unraveling complex true crime cases.

Stay Connected:
For more true crime discussions, insights, and updates, subscribe to True Crime Garage on your preferred podcast platform. Join Nic and the Captain as they continue to explore the darkest corners of true crime, one case at a time.

Don't Forget:

"Be good, be kind, and don't litter."